His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an extraordinary example of a life dedicated to peace, communication, and unity. What he represents, and what he has accomplished, heals and transcends the current tensions between Tibet and China. Why the Dalai Lama Matters explores just why he has earned the world's love and respect, and how restoring Tibet's autonomy within China is not only possible, but highly reasonable, and absolutely necessary for all of us together to have a peaceful future as a global community.

In the few decades since the illegal Chinese invasion of Tibet, Tibetans have seen their ecosystem destroyed, their religion, language, and culture repressed, and systematic oppression and violence against anyone who dares acknowledge Tibetan sovereignty. Yet, above it all, the Dalai Lama has been a consistent voice for peace, sharing a "Middle-Way" approach that has gathered accolades from the Nobel Peace Prize to the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal.

Modeling this peaceful resistance shows the world that nobody is free unless everybody is free -- and that a solution exists that can benefit all parties, not just one. And more than just his nation have taken notice. His inter-religious dialogues, honest, humble demeanor, and sense of compassionate justice sets him apart in a world at war with itself. When China changes policy and lets Tibetans be who they are, Tibet can, in turn, join with China in peaceful coexistence.

Why the Dalai Lama Matters is not merely a book about Tibet or the Dalai Lama. It is a revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms. By showing the work that the Dalai Lama has done on behalf of his people, Thurman illuminates a worldwide call to action, showing that power gained by might means nothing in the face of a determined act of truth.

Why the Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet, and the World, Atria Books, Robert Thurman, Atria Books, Paperback, 228 Pages, $15.00

Contents: Why The Dalai Lama Matters

Acknowledgments

vii

Introduction

ix

PART 1: WHO IS THE DALAI LAMA AND WHY IS HE THE KEY?

1

1.

Who Is the Dalai Lama?

3

2.

What Has the Dalai Lama Accomplished?

35

3.

The Dalai Lama's Call for an Ethical and Spiritual Revolution

99

PART 11: THE SOLUTION FOR CHINA AND TIBET

123

4.

A Middle Way for China and Tibet

125

5.

A Plan for President Hu and the Dalai Lama

137

PART 111: TIBET SOLVED, FREED, RESTORED

153

6.

Envisioning the Goal

155

7.

The Bod Autonomous Region Internal System of Government

169

8.

The Dedication of Tibet as a Nature Preserve

185

9.

Freeing Tibet: A Great Win for China and Tibet, Ecologically and Economically